Thursday, October 25, 2012

As the trial for accused Philadelphia mob boss Joseph Ligambi continues,
a gambler and bookmaker — and now cooperating witness — has testified
that his failure to repay money he owed to the mob resulted in threats.
But the defense today was countering the testimony of the FBI agent
on the case, saying that the alleged threats were all talk and no actual
violence — and making the point that the witness is still alive and
well.
Henry Scipione, 55, testified earlier that he had met with alleged
mobster Anthony Staino, on trial now with Ligambi and five others, and
needed to make a payment of $5,600 but didn’t have a penny.(Scipione:) “I told him I didn’t have anything. I told him I had nothing, I used the money. And he got real agitated.”(Prosecutor:) “What did he say to you?”(Scipione:) “He said, ‘Where’s my f—ing money? I should shoot you in the f—ing head,’ taking my money.”(Prosecutor:) “How did that make you feel?” (Scipione:) “Not good.”
But defense attorney Edwin Jacobs questioned FBI case agent John
Martinelli, suggesting that Scipione couldn’t be too concerned about his
safety, even after his cooperation became known with the indictment.
Jacobs has pointed out through his questioning of Martinelli that
Scipione has never sought relocation or witness protection, and isn’t in
hiding.